Interior Department awards $10.45M for zero-turn mowers, with 8 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,450 ($10.5K)

Contractor: Ariens CO

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-06-07

Contract Duration: 60 days

Daily Burn Rate: $174/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ZERO TURN MOWER

Place of Performance

Location: BRILLION, CALUMET County, WISCONSIN, 54110

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $10,450.1 to ARIENS CO for work described as: ZERO TURN MOWER Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the firm-fixed-price contract and competitive bidding. 2. Competition dynamics show a healthy number of bidders (8), suggesting adequate market interest. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the firm-fixed-price structure and short duration. 4. Performance context is for lawn and garden equipment, a standard procurement item. 5. Sector positioning is within manufacturing, specifically lawn and garden equipment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10.45 million for zero-turn mowers seems within a reasonable range for a large quantity purchase. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government procurements for grounds maintenance equipment would provide a more precise value assessment, but the competitive nature suggests fair pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating it was likely advertised broadly to eligible vendors. The receipt of 8 bids suggests a robust level of competition for this requirement. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures a wider pool of potential suppliers.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition indicates that taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently, as multiple companies vied to offer the best price and terms.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey benefits from this contract by acquiring necessary equipment for grounds maintenance. Services delivered include the provision of zero-turn mowers, essential for maintaining large outdoor areas. Geographic impact is primarily within Wisconsin, where the contractor is located, but the mowers will be used by the USGS. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily related to the manufacturing and delivery of the equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Competitive bidding process with 8 offers received.
Contract awarded to a known manufacturer (Ariens Co.).
Short contract duration minimizes long-term risk.
Standardized equipment procurement.

Sector Analysis

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 333112 covers Lawn and Garden Tractor and Home Lawn and Garden Equipment Manufacturing. This sector includes manufacturers of various outdoor power equipment. Government spending in this area typically supports agencies responsible for maintaining federal lands, parks, and facilities. The market size for such equipment is substantial, with both commercial and government entities being significant buyers.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and does not specify any small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is Ariens Co., a large manufacturer, there is no information provided on subcontracting plans. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or if there were opportunities missed for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a purchase order, which is a standard procurement instrument. Oversight would typically be managed by the U.S. Geological Survey contracting office. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Grounds Maintenance Equipment Procurement
Federal Fleet Vehicle and Equipment Purchases
Department of the Interior Operational Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for high unit cost requires further investigation.
Lack of detailed specifications for mowers.
Small business participation not explicitly detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $10,450.1 to ARIENS CO. ZERO TURN MOWER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ARIENS CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10,450.1.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-06-07.

What is the typical price range for zero-turn mowers purchased by the federal government in bulk?

Determining a precise 'typical' price range for bulk zero-turn mower purchases by the federal government is complex due to variations in mower specifications (deck size, engine power, features), quantity, contract type, and the specific agency's needs. However, for commercial-grade zero-turn mowers suitable for large areas, unit prices can range from approximately $4,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the model and features. The total award of $10.45 million for 8 bids suggests an average unit cost of roughly $1.3 million per mower, which seems exceptionally high. This indicates that either the quantity of mowers is very large, or the 'mowers' are part of a larger equipment package, or there's a misunderstanding of the data provided. Without specific details on the quantity and exact specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Further investigation into the number of units procured is essential for accurate benchmarking.

How does the number of bidders (8) compare to similar federal procurements for grounds maintenance equipment?

Receiving 8 bids for a federal procurement, especially under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), generally indicates a healthy level of competition. For grounds maintenance equipment, the number of bidders can vary significantly based on the complexity and value of the requirement. Procurements for standard items like mowers often attract multiple vendors. However, for highly specialized equipment or large-scale contracts, fewer bidders might be expected. An 8-bid scenario suggests that the market is sufficiently aware of and capable of responding to this type of requirement, which is a positive signal for price discovery and value for taxpayers.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for mowers?

Firm-fixed-price (FFP) contracts are generally preferred for minimizing cost uncertainty for the government. For mowers, the primary risks associated with an FFP contract are minimal, assuming the specifications are well-defined. The main risk lies in the potential for the contractor to cut corners on quality or service to maximize profit if profit margins are tight. However, with a reputable manufacturer like Ariens and a competitive bidding process, this risk is mitigated. Another minor risk could be if unforeseen market fluctuations in raw materials or labor significantly impact the contractor's costs, potentially leading to disputes if not adequately accounted for in the initial pricing. Given the short duration (60 days) and the nature of the product, these risks are considered low.

What is the track record of Ariens Co. in supplying equipment to the federal government?

Ariens Co. is a well-established manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, including zero-turn mowers. While specific details of their past federal contract performance are not provided in this data snippet, their long-standing presence in the market suggests a degree of reliability. Government contractors are typically vetted, and agencies often consider past performance when awarding contracts. A review of federal procurement databases (like FPDS) would likely reveal the extent and nature of Ariens Co.'s previous awards to various government agencies, providing insight into their track record with federal clients.

How does the contract's duration (60 days) impact the overall value and risk?

The short 60-day duration of this contract significantly reduces overall risk for the government. It limits exposure to potential price escalations, technological obsolescence, or contractor performance issues. For equipment like mowers, a 60-day period likely covers the delivery and initial acceptance phase. This short timeframe suggests the purchase is for immediate operational needs rather than a long-term supply agreement. The value is assessed based on the immediate utility and cost-effectiveness for the specified period, rather than long-term operational support or lifecycle costs.

Are there any specific performance metrics or quality standards mentioned for these mowers?

The provided data does not include specific performance metrics or quality standards for the zero-turn mowers. Typically, federal contracts for equipment would reference detailed specifications, including engine size, cutting width, durability requirements, safety features, and warranty terms. These specifications are crucial for ensuring the mowers meet the operational needs of the U.S. Geological Survey and for establishing a basis for acceptance and quality control. Without these details, it's difficult to fully assess the technical value and suitability of the procured equipment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing › Lawn and Garden Tractor and Home Lawn and Garden Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140G0126Q0063

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 655 W RYAN ST, BRILLION, WI, 54110

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,450

Exercised Options: $10,450

Current Obligation: $10,450

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline